Los Angeles, California Sales Tax Calculator 2026
Planning a purchase in LA? This calculator provides an instant estimate of sales tax using a combined breakdown so you know what you’ll pay at checkout. Los Angeles sales tax includes California’s statewide base rate plus county and special district add-ons.
What is the Sales Tax Rate in Los Angeles, California?
According to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), the Los Angeles sales tax rate is 9.750% (effective January 1, 2026). Rates can still vary by address due to district boundaries, so use the CDTFA lookup tool for point-of-sale accuracy.
Official sources: CDTFA city & county rate table and CDTFA “Look up the rate by address”.
Quick Example (Los Angeles Sales Tax)
Example: a $100 taxable purchase in Los Angeles at 9.750% results in $9.75 in sales tax and a total of $109.75.
Is Los Angeles Sales Tax High?
Los Angeles is among the higher-tax cities in the U.S., especially compared to states with lower combined rates. However, it can still be lower than some high-tax metro areas with extensive special district layers.
Exemptions and Special Rules in California
- Groceries: many unprepared grocery items are typically exempt.
- Prescription drugs: typically exempt.
- Prepared food: often taxable.
- Digital goods: may be taxable depending on how the item is delivered/structured.